In addition to the LTV, a pressurized rover will greatly expand lunar surface exploration capabilities to the next level. Such a vehicle may also be autonomous and capable of driving on pre-programmed paths or could be operated remotely from Earth to conduct additional science and exploration activities. The agency is evaluating those responses and hopes to leverage innovations in commercial all-terrain vehicles, military rovers and more. Earlier this year, NASA asked American companies to send ideas to develop an LTV that handle the rough surface of the Moon as well as push the boundaries of power generation and energy storage. The LTV will be an unpressurized, or open-top vehicle, that astronauts can drive in their spacesuits for more than 12 miles from a camp site. NASA has proposed two lunar surface transportation systems: a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) and a mobile home and office referred to as a habitable mobility platform. NASA is building the new suits for the initial lunar landing and will transition the design and manufacturing to Industry for follow-on production. With improved functionality and movement, crew can conduct more complex experiments and collect more unique geologic samples. These next generation spacesuits will provide increased mobility, modern communications and a more robust life support system than its Apollo predecessors. Crew will work by day in their modern spacesuits – using new tools to collect samples and setting up a variety of experiments.

What to wearĮven with minimal surface support in place on early missions, astronauts will embark on at least a week-long expedition on the Moon. The agency is currently working with industry to refine ideas for a combination home and office in orbit, recently testing full-size prototypes. Since 2016, NASA has worked with several companies on their habitation systems and designs, assessing internal layouts, environmental control and life support systems, and outer structure options, including rigid shells, expandable designs, and hybrid concepts. In the future, NASA envisions a fixed habitat at the Artemis Base Camp that can house up to four astronauts for a month-long stay. On the first few missions, the human landing system will double as lunar lodging, offering life support systems to support a short crew stay on the Moon. This is the ideal location for a future base camp given its potential access to ice and other mineral resources. From lunar orbit, two astronauts will take the first new ride to the surface of the Moon, landing where no humans have ever been: the lunar South Pole. Our experience on the Moon this decade will prepare us for an even greater adventure in the universe – human exploration of Mars.” Where to stayĬrew will return to the lunar surface for the first time this century beginning with the Artemis III mission. “With more demand for access to the Moon, we are developing the technologies to achieve an unprecedented human and robotic presence 240,000 miles from home. “On each new trip, astronauts are going to have an increasing level of comfort with the capabilities to explore and study more of the Moon than ever before,” said Kathy Lueders, associate administrator for human spaceflight at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Early missions will include short surface stays, but as the base camp evolves, the goal is to allow crew to stay at the lunar surface for up to two months at a time. To give astronauts a place to live and work on the Moon, the agency’s Artemis Base Camp concept includes a modern lunar cabin, a rover and even a mobile home. NASA will build on the momentum of that human return mission in four years and plans to send crew to the Moon about once per year thereafter.

After that, NASA and its growing list of global partners will establish sustainable exploration by the end of the decade. NASA’s Artemis program has sparked excitement around the world and catalyzed new interest in exploring the Moon as the agency prepares to land the first woman and next man on the lunar South Pole in 2024.

Nasa artemis